Seminole Reservation Flap

November 3, 1985

A GOVERNMENT source in Washington said the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs is highly likely to recommend creation of a Seminole Indian reservation west of Melbourne. The bureau is studying a proposal to grant federal land trust status to 100 acres owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Seminoles want to build a 1,200-seat bingo hall, among other attractions. U.S. Rep. Bill Nelson, D-Melbourne, said later that U.S. Interior Secretary Donald Hodel told him last spring that an application for the reservation would be denied. Spokesmen for Hodel said he has made no committment on the application.